The Newsletter. February and March 2010 From Epiphany to Easter

Transcription

1 Sherwood The Newsletter 1 Edwards Lane, Nottingham, NG5 3AA February and March 2010 From Epiphany to Easter How treasured the days we share, With family and friends who care. Audrey Jeanne Roberts

2 The Minister s Letter 1 The Minister s Letter Has it been a baptism of fire? asked one member on our first meeting in the new year, It must have been hard moving over Christmas. This question set me thinking. My mind ran over the past couple of months. Compared with the stress of moving leading Christmas at Sherwood was easy. And anyway, Christmas is Christmas, it is fixed, the theme is given, it is a celebration of something we already know, and know quite well. In many ways it would have been harder for me to have stayed in Chesterfield. Having led eleven Christmases there it would have been much harder for me to come up with something original; and there I had two churches to deal with and three Churches Together organisations. I would have been much busier there! Here, though, there was the newness. Here I was working in the unknown. One of my colleagues sent me a Christmas Card, and in his 'hope you are settling in well' note he added You will be well into leading Christmas services by now, standing at the front of church, looking out at a sea of faces and thinking 'who on earth are all these people?'. He was right. Moving at this time of the year has, for both Tricia and myself, emphasised the leaving behind of all that we knew and loved. (It did turn our Christmas shopping into an adventure, as we explored together a new city discovering new shops and locating trusted familiar ones.) Christmas was a good time to arrive at Sherwood: it is a very sociable time, and we were able to meet and mix with people with considerable ease over coffee and mincepies on several occasions, and at the Prime Time Christmas Dinner and the Chill Out Buffet. Now all that is over and the real hard work begins. It was the first Sunday service I led in January that was the hardest. That was when I realised how much of a novice I am. That was when I thought 'I don't really know these people, I don't know what they know and what they don't;

3 The Minister s Letter 2 what issues excite them and what bore them; what are the burning issues of the church and what is well settled, what has recently been decided and what was decided at the start of time and needs revisiting; and..... And so there is much learning to be done and on both sides as we get to know each other and build up that trust and respect that will allow us to journey on into the new year and work together as disciples of Jesus. Christmas is over, we have celebrated the birth of the baby, and we now need to return our attentions to Jesus the man. This is reflected in the gospels. Both Matthew and Luke take a great leap of nearly thirty years from the birth of Jesus to his baptism with barely a step on the ground; Mark and John don't bother at all about Jesus as a baby, jumping straight in with John the Baptist, and sprinting off to the calling of the first disciples. This is where you come in. Jesus the man calls you to live in this world as one of his disciples. Here's to the rest of the year, as we continue to learn together what this might mean for us as individuals, and for Sherwood as a church. Happy New Year to you all, Family News David Congratulations to DR DOROTHY MAGAI who has just successfully completed her thesis. Well done we are proud of you. Kath and David have received an E mail from Duncan and Elizabeth. They seem to be settling in very well and are happy in Banbury. They ask us to give their love to the folks at Sherwood whom they think of frequently, and to David and Tricia at the start of a New Year.

4 Family News 3 We wish Janet Richards and Doreen Fillingham a speedy recovery after their recent falls, and we are pleased to have Pam Richmond back with us after her eye operation. Several of our friends have been in hospital recently and we send our best wishes. MARRIAGES Debbie (Nee Parkes) to Patrick Walsh on the 5th December 2009 in York. Congratulations and our very best wishes to you both. DEATHS In the previous addition of our Newsletter it was announced that MABEL GUNTON had passed away, her funeral was held on the 4th November. Several of our older members will remember with affection both Mabel and her Husband EWART. They entered into the Church life at Sherwood fully, and were members from 1946, Ewart being Church Treasurer for many years, and also manned the Christian Aid Stall on a Saturday. Ewart predeceased Mabel, who then remained in Nottingham for a little while, before going to Shropshire to live near her Son. Many happy memories. A MESSAGE FROM PAM I would like to say a very big thank you, to you all, for all the loving care you showed me, in so many different ways, after my recent eye operation. It really did cheer me up and made me feel a great deal better. It s good to be back with you all again and to look forward to the New Year together. With love Pam R. Ann Anderson( ) At 7.15 on Wednesday November 11th, Ann uttered her last breath, and passed to her great reward. From the age of 2O as a Minister s wife, she played an active part in the life of the Church and involved all her children Youth Groups, Pilots,.. Wilkin- Hill Weekends,.. Recorder

5 Family News 4 Groups... Local Drama in the Church Hall and in Worship.. Had stalls in Bazaars, baked trays of cakes. Played the organ... regular in worship.. and a lady to whom many brought their worries and anxieties... A perpetual visitor to the sick and lonely and was always about to shake your hand, give you a smile.., and listen.. (Not everyone does) Bringing up her four children had its problems and concerns as medical needs and learning problems had to be faced and overcome, but the battle was won after many years. She came from a Christian home, and brought the skills and the faith into her role as Lionel s wife. She never went out to work, but remained joyfully as his unpaid curate and gave herself to whatever Church had called him (It was certainly. An example of buy one and get one free. Lionel Lent Study Groups Whats Happening! We are holding a series of study groups throughout Lent. These will be held on a Tuesday afternoon and repeated on a Wednesday evening. Please see the diary page for the dates of these groups. They will all be held at Church and will last approx one and quarter hours. Decorating the church for Easter The Flower Secretaries would like the Church to look nice at Easter so they would be grateful for spring flowers to be brought preferably on Saturday April 3rd at 10.00am or please see either Marita or Sheila if you would like to make a financial donation. The children will be decorating the cross that morning so they will require plenty of greenery. Thank You

6 Whats Happening! 5 BIBLE SOCIETY Spring Meeting At St. Andrew s with Castlegate Church Goldsmith Street On Friday 19 th March 2010 at 7.pm The Speaker will be Rev Ian Wiseman Minister of St. Andrew s with Castlegate Church Subject:- LUZ. NO. NORDESTE PROJECT (Light in the North East) A Project in Brazil What's been going on? THE INDUCTION SERVICE of REVD DAVID LEGGE The weekend of November 28th, when we were to welcome our new Minister the Revd David Legge, was at last a reality, we seem to have waited so long for this moment. Preparations had been made for many weeks, but on the Friday the Church was made ready for all our expected guests the following day, with the screen folded back to allow chairs to be arranged in the Garden room, bringing the space in the Church back to its original size. Other people were setting out tables and chairs in both the Hall and the Sherwood room, putting on the tablecloths and flowers. At last the day of the Induction arrived, Members and friends had been making sandwiches, and baking cakes, together with quiche, sausages, sausage rolls etc., in fact a real feast, was placed on a buffet table in the foyer. Our guests started to arrive, and by the time the Service was due to begin some people were sitting on the extra chairs at the back. The presiding Minister was Revd Terry Oakley, Moderator of the East Midlands Synod of the United

7 What's been going on? 6 Reformed Church, Revd Chris Ford made the Presentation of the Candidate (Revd Chris Ford had been our Interim Moderator during the long process of finding a new Minister) Revd John Slow was the Preacher, and the Service as also attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Nottingham and his Lady, and our two Church Secretaries Mrs. Jill Turner, and Mr. Stefan Janiszewski. It was a very enjoyable Service and the rafters rang with the sound of singing. Then came the social event with tea and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves, meeting up with old friends and making new ones. Our guests departed and the Church was returned to its usual format, and we all went home tired but happy it had all been so successful. Our thanks go to all who in any way contributed to this weekend, whether by furniture removing or in the catering department. Pam CHRISTMAS AT SHERWOOD On Friday 11th December a small group of our young people made decorations for our Christmas tree, and these were used on the tree in the Church, making it look very festive. The event closed with the singing of Away in a Manger round the tree. Our thanks to the group of young artists who made such pretty decorations. Saturday 12th and the Church was decorated. As in previous years it was decided that red cyclamen plants would be used, and these were placed in baskets on the window sills surrounded by trailing ivy and coloured baubles, making a very pleasing display especially when the light reflected on the decorations. Our thanks again for those who provided plants, and the decorators. After our Sunday morning Service we held our Christmas lunch. Tables with red festive cloths and a holly wreathed candle on each were prepared. Then a most magnificent feast, turkey, stuffing, sausages, roast and boiled potatoes,

8 What's been going on? 7 carrots, and peas with cranberry sauce, this was followed by either Christmas pudding and brandy sauce or custard, or home made apple pie. It was a most enjoyable occasion, friendship and a delicious meal. David (our new Minister) said grace, and at the end of the proceedings we all said the Grace to each other. What can be said for all the planning and work that went in to such an event, thank you seems inadequate but it is indeed a big thank you to all who helped in whatever way to make this such a happy event Sunday 20th November and we held our Nativity Service. The Service was presented by using an overhead projector, which was very effective, and our young people acted out the birth of Jesus with readings, songs and tableaux, which they did so beautifully, and it was much enjoyed by the entire congregation. Our thanks go to all the adults who helped the children in all sorts of ways, to make this so successful, with very little prior rehearsal. The evening Candle Light Service was a Christmassy affair, the weather outside being very snowy and slippery, so many of our congregation were unable to attend, but several did brave the elements. The Service had readings in the form of poems, as well as biblical ones, and also an adaptation of a story by Stuart Jackson U.R.C. Minister called It could only have happened on Christmas eve. The Service continued with Meditation and prayers requested by the congregation for relatives, friends, and worldwide concerns. After the Service coffee and mince pies in the Garden room. Because of the weather many people had to miss the Service but as John s Mother used to say when we were not at a Sunday Service You missed a treat Christmas Eve and many young people with the help of others made Christingles for the Service that followed. The

9 What's been going on? 8 Service included carols, readings, and the explanation of the Christingle, and at the end of the proceedings the Christingles were all lit, and taken round to the members of the congregation before the last carol. Midnight Service Christmas Eve where we welcomed our many friends from St. Martin s, who braved the very snowy conditions, for coffee and mince pies before the Service. The Church was lit by candlelight, which gave a lovely Seasonal feel. A member of St. Martins, with a keyboard, played the music for the hymns, which were sung with great fervour and displayed on the screen, together with the readings and prayers, for the benefit of the large congregation. A wonderful Service to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas Day Service at St. Martin s (A report from Pam Richmond) This Christmas I found myself at home, instead of off somewhere on a walking break, and so Christmas morning I decided to go to St. Martins Church for the joint Christmas morning Service. It was nice and warm as I walked through the Church door. I soon spotted some familiar faces as well as those from the U.R.C. and so felt very much at home. It was a very enjoyable Service with some good singing from the informal choir and of course the congregation. The children did a relevant entertaining sketch, with the help of God, who was a little bit older!!!! They did very well to remember their lines. Sylvia s wheelie bin came in on the scene at one point, something about having to dig through a lot of rubbish to find the real treasurers in life, it was a bit smelly though! It was good to see Sylvia and David working together so well, a good sign of things to come.

10 What's been going on? 9 Finally. It was a busy time before Christmas and many hands were needed - our thanks go to all concerned and wish everybody the very best for PJW Articles Treasurer s News Nov' Nov' Total 1, , Dec' Dec' Total , Christmas Eve Collection raised to be split between CAI Childhealth and Leonard Cheshire. Lettings: November December Maintenance Fund December Maintenance Fund. Bev Lockyer To all members of the Smartie Club, many thanks for the sum of raised last year by the collection of 5p s for the Maintenance Fund, an increase of on last year. The slightly larger tube means that these will easily take 20p s, which has probably helped to increase the sum raised - bronze coins have also been donated, although these will not go into the tubes.

11 Articles 10 We have wonderful Church premises, but it does cost money maintain, which means every penny helps, so please keep up the good work - more Smartie Club members are always welcome. Please ask John Whitby for your smartie tube. VACANCY - CHURCH TREASURER Do have an organised approach to work? Are you willing to learn and not afraid to ask for help? Do you have experience of clerical work? If you can answer yes to any of the above questions you might like to consider taking on the position of Church Treasurer For an informal chat about the work involved please contact Bev Lockyer (Tel: )

12 Rotas 11 Rotas Flower Rota is organised by Jane Doe Ground Rota is organised by John Smith Mar Feb Mar Feb 7 14 Margaret McAdams Norman & Edna Parr 13 Peter Seed 21 Dorothy Magai 27 George McAdams 6 Kath & David Hughes 13 Norman & Edna Parr 22 Peter Seed 27 Dorothy Magai Feb Mar Sunday Rota is organised by Jill Vestry Elder Door Stewards Coffee 7 Team 1 Mavis Seed Ted Shepherd (eve) & Shirley Ringrose 14 Team 2 Dorothy Magai 12 Team 3 Joy Hammond & Margaret Mcadams 28 Team 4 Pam Richmond 7 Team 1 Pam Richmond (eve) & Doreen Fillingham Jean Bull & Janet Beeby 14 Team 2 Mavis Seed & Shirley Ringrose 21 Team 3 Dorothy Magai 28 Team 4 Joy Hammond & Margaret Mcadams

13 Diary 12 Mon Diary Regular Weekly Events at the URC Line Dancing 7.30 pm Singing for Fun Choir Tue am Osteoporosis group Children s dance class Adults dance class Wed Osteoporosis group (Sherwood Hall) am Prime Time Lunch Club (1st and 3rd Wednesdays) pm Diet and fitness Group (Sherwood Hall) 7.00 pm Swing into Shape Thu Chill Out drop-in for under fives and their carers 7.30 pm Reformed Players Fri am Stroke Club (fortnightly) noon Open Door (Church open for quiet time) Sat am Christian Aid Coffee Morning (Traidcraft, cakes, greeting card stalls etc.) February Dates for your diary 3rd Wed 2.00 pm Prime Time Committee Meeting 7th Sun am Morning Worship with Junior Church 3.30 pm Evening Epilogue with Communion 10th Wed 14th Sun 7.00 pm Synod Roadshow at Sherwood 9.15 am Early Morning Worship am Morning Worship with Junior Church

14 Diary 13 18th Thu 21st Sun 23rd Tue 24th Wed 25th Thu 28th Sun March 2nd Tue 6.00 pm Notts United service at Friary URC 7.30 pm Ecumenical Meeting at Sherwood URC am Communion with Junior Church followed by Church Meeting 2.00 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 7.30 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 6.30 pm Midweek Service am Morning Worship with Junior Church 2.00 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 3rd Wed 7.30 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 4th Thu 7.30 pm Elders Meeting 7th Sun am Morning Worship with Junior Church 3.30 pm Evening Epilogue with Communion 9th Tue 2.00 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 10th Wed 14th Sun 16th Tue 17th Wed 21st Sun 23rd Tue 24th Wed 25th Thu 28th Sun April 7.30 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 9.15 am Early Morning Worship am All Age Worship 2.00 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 7.30 pm Lent Group at Sherwood am Communion with Junior Church 2.00 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 7.30 pm Lent Group at Sherwood 6.30 pm Midweek Service 7.30 pm Management Meeting am All Age Worship

15 Diary 14 1st Thu 7.00 pm Maundy Thursday: Light meal followed by Communion Service 2nd Fri Good Friday To Be Announced 3rd Sat am Decorating the Church with spring flowers 4th Sun 8.30 am Easter Day Short service followed by breakfast am Morning Worship with Junior Church 6.30 pm NOTE: no evening Epilogue Dates of 2010 Meetings Church Elders Management Feb Sun 21 Mar Thu 04 Thu 25 Apr Sun 18 Thu 15 May Thu 27 Thu 20 Jun Thu 24 Jul Thu 08 Thu 01 Aug Sep Sun 12 Thu 02 Thu 30 Oct Thu 14 Nov Sun 21 Thu 18 Dec Thu 02 Jan Thu 06

16 General Information 15 General Information Minister: Revd David Legge, Contact David for baptisms, weddings and funerals. WORSHIP Sunday Morning at with activities for children. 'Second Sunday at 9.15' informal worship in the Foyer with breakfast. We celebrate Communion on the third Sunday morning of each month and at Epilogue, a shorter service, on the first Sunday evening at 6.30 during summer (BST) and at 3.30 during winter. Half hour Midweek Service is held on the last Thursday of each month at 6.30 pm Elders and Church Meetings are held as announced. SERVING ELDERS of the church are: Mrs Jill Turner Mrs Carol Foote Mr Peter Seed Mrs Jean Bull Mrs Kath Hughes Mr Stefan Janiszewski Dr A Waldron Mrs Joy Hammond Mrs Doreen Fillingham Mrs Bev. Lockyer CHURCH OFFICERS are: Church Secretary: Mr Stefan Janiszewsk Assistant Church Secretary:Mrs Jill Turner Church Treasurer: Mrs Bev Lockyer-Clarke Pulpit Supply Secretary: Mrs Jill Turner Chair of Management Cttee. Mr David Hughes Organist: Mrs Marita Chambers Magazine Secretary: Mrs Pam Whitby Flower Secretaries: Mrs Marita Chambers Mrs Sheila Waldron Church Stewarding: Mr Norman Parr and Mrs Pam Whitby Hall Booking Steward: Mrs Kath Hughes To whom all enquiries for room use should be made